Westy the next one out of GP?

I know I have said this elsewhere (maybe even another forum) and it is sure to not be agreed by many, but IMO West does have the riding talent to deserve and sustain a place in MotoGP. But, IMO riding talent alone is not enough, you need to be able to provide feedback that improves the bikes set-up and development (in a positive way), and it is in this area that (IMO) West lets himself down (in terms of employability).

If he was untalented (in riding terms) he could not have achieved the results he did in three short races in the WSS class in 2007 (2 wins including a dry weather, 1 second).

But he has now had two opportunities and unfortunately does not bring with him any money for the team, nor potential to increase the merketability of the sport within his country of origin. As such he needs the complete package of rider, developer etc in order to sustain his ride, and sadly (IMO) he is just not the complete package.

Mindy you and with that said, good luck to him as he tries to rub some noses and bring some attention to himself hoping for another ride somewhere (he may well become the full package on another machine).








Garry

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (kosy @ Aug 20 2008, 04:19 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Come on....only getting one shot. If only.....

This depends on nationality and how much money you can bring to a team also. There are many riders who are assisted by this and are still racing even though they never get the results. It's a romantic idea that you get one shot but not what really happening.

I would love to see Motogp where riders are there because they are the very best, but this not the case. If it was the grid would look very different.

There are politics and outside influences working for and against all the riders. There is no doubt that occasionally a worthy rider is passed by for reasons other than riding, but all in all I think things are about right.

little bit far-fetched, but IMO Westy should be asking JT for David Tardozzi's phone number...
either that or invite troy bayliss round for a barbie and ask a few questions...

he is an aussie after all and we all know how aussies go on ducatis...

Shinya its time to shipya off to Superbikes. Your going nowhere.
On equal equipment I think West would smoke Nakano.
Shinya's had long enough.

Following quote is from the comic (thats MCN to people who arent as witty as us cynical internet types)



Brno MotoGP runner-up TONI ELIAS<u></u> is being hotly-tipped to ride a third factory Kawsaki in next year’s MotoGP world championship.

A deal between Kawasaki and Spanish team owner Jorge Martinez is close to being finalised with current Alice Ducati rider Elias a leading contender.

Kawasaki and Dorna held meetings in Brno to confirm plans to roll out a third ZX-RR next season, with John Hopkins being joined Marco Melandri in the official factory team, as was exclusively revealed by MCN yesterday.

Martinez’s current 250GP title contender Alvaro Bautista was linked with the ride, but he is understood to want to remain in 250s for one more year before moving to the premier class in 2010.

Martinez though is expected to still want to run a Spanish rider, and Elias’s stunning second in Brno last weekend seems unlikely to save him from the axe at Ducati.

Elias though has categorically denied wanting a move to World Superbikes with Yamaha or Ducati.

The third ZX-RR will still be run under the umbrella of Kawasaki’s factory team, according to team boss Michael Bartholemy, but Aussie Anthony West has no chance of retaining his seat <u></u>having been told by management in Brno that his contract will not be renewed.

Kawasaki though is looking at offering West a ride in either its World Superbike or World Supersport teams.
So there you go,assuming its right that is....

oh and as for Shinya been .... i remember him putting in some bloody good rides in 2004 on the fairly subpar Kwak.And 4th on a bike that hasnt been developed specifically for Stones( id imagine the full works RCV is just different enough to constitute this),look how long it took Vale and Jerry to get the M1 right for its Bridgestones

I realize Westy's 5th place was impressive considering his other results this year. But had Michelin brought decent tires to Brno, where would he have placed (speculation, I know). Could we realistically add 4 positions to that 5 and make it a 9? (Edwards, Peders, Lorenzo, & Toesland).

Just at thought.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (GeePee @ Aug 20 2008, 01:28 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Shinya its time to shipya off to Superbikes. Your going nowhere.
On equal equipment I think West would smoke Nakano.
Shinya's had long enough.

LOL

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jumkie @ Aug 21 2008, 01:13 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I realize Westy's 5th place was impressive considering his other results this year. But had Michelin brought decent tires to Brno, where would he have placed (speculation, I know). Could we realistically add 4 positions to that 5 and make it a 9? (Edwards, Peders, Lorenzo, & Toesland).

Just at thought.
good point